I have been sick with ME for 11 years. Six months ago, I have been diagnosed with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis - autoimmune) as well.
My Rheumatologist has put me on strong medications so far without any success. I am currently on prednisolone, plaquenil and humira shots. The RA is progressing though. At first, it was just my fingers and hands but now it has started in my feet and ankles.
I discussed the possibility of starting rituximab with my doctor and she agreed. I am awaiting approval from my insurance co. I know it is not easy to get approval but, I am hoping to hear a positive response.
While I'm waiting for this approval, I wanted to organize my symptoms, in order to differentiate between the ME and the RA. My purpose of doing so is in order to keep track of my progress. I want to know whether the rituximab is affecting the RA and/or ME.
I might start a thread with this once I'm actually approved.
Symproms of ME/CFS and RA
ME/CFS
RA
EXHAUSTION
X
X
POST EXERTIONAL MALAISE
X
HEADACHES
X
MUSCLE PAINS
X
UN-REFRESHED SLEEP
X
ALLERGIES
X
SENSITIVITY TO NOISE
X
SENSITIVITY TO FOODS
X
COGNITIVE PROBLEMS
X
SORE THROAT
X
FEVERISH
X
WEAKNESS
X
X
POTS
X
SWOLLEN HANDS/FINGERS
X
SWOLLEN FEET/ANKLES
X
PAINFUL HANDS
X
PAINFUL FEET
X
NECK STIFFNESS/PAIN
X
I will add to this blog as I get more information.
My Rheumatologist has put me on strong medications so far without any success. I am currently on prednisolone, plaquenil and humira shots. The RA is progressing though. At first, it was just my fingers and hands but now it has started in my feet and ankles.
I discussed the possibility of starting rituximab with my doctor and she agreed. I am awaiting approval from my insurance co. I know it is not easy to get approval but, I am hoping to hear a positive response.
While I'm waiting for this approval, I wanted to organize my symptoms, in order to differentiate between the ME and the RA. My purpose of doing so is in order to keep track of my progress. I want to know whether the rituximab is affecting the RA and/or ME.
I might start a thread with this once I'm actually approved.
Symproms of ME/CFS and RA
ME/CFS
RA
EXHAUSTION
X
X
POST EXERTIONAL MALAISE
X
HEADACHES
X
MUSCLE PAINS
X
UN-REFRESHED SLEEP
X
ALLERGIES
X
SENSITIVITY TO NOISE
X
SENSITIVITY TO FOODS
X
COGNITIVE PROBLEMS
X
SORE THROAT
X
FEVERISH
X
WEAKNESS
X
X
POTS
X
SWOLLEN HANDS/FINGERS
X
SWOLLEN FEET/ANKLES
X
PAINFUL HANDS
X
PAINFUL FEET
X
NECK STIFFNESS/PAIN
X
I will add to this blog as I get more information.